- Matchup: LSU Tigers vs Houston Cougars
- Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds/Spread: Cougars favored by 3.0 points
- Total Points Over-Under: 41.5
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On December 27, 2025, NRG Stadium will host the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, where the Houston Cougars (9-3) will face off against the LSU Tigers (7-5). The Cougars begin the matchup as 3.0-point favorites, with the total set at 41.5 points.
The LSU Tigers, entering with a 7-5 record, suffered a narrow defeat last time against the Oklahoma Sooners, losing 17-13. In that game, the Tigers rushed 29 times for 85 yards, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Overall, they executed 55 plays for a total of 198 yards. Defensively, LSU conceded 23 completions on 38 attempts for 318 yards, yielding a completion rate of 60.5%. On the ground, they allowed 75 yards from 28 attempts, averaging 2.7 yards per carry.
When it comes to scoring, the LSU Tigers average 21.8 points per game (PPG). They rank 122nd in Division 1, managing an average of 106.3 rushing yards. This season, the Tigers have amassed a total of 3,992 yards and scored 17 touchdowns through the air, plus another 10 on the ground. With 227 first downs, they have committed 82 penalties totaling 676 yards and turned the ball over 13 times.
Defensively, the Tigers rank 14th nationally, allowing just 18.3 PPG. They permit an average of 3.6 yards per carry, giving up 117.2 rushing yards per game—totaling 1,406 rushing yards over 12 games. When facing the pass, they have conceded 2,430 yards, ranking them 34th in the nation, with an average of 202.5 passing yards allowed and a completion percentage of 58.3%. In total, they allow 319.7 yards per game, ranking 25th in college football, conceding 10 passing touchdowns and 14 on the ground.
The Cougars head into this matchup with a solid 9-3 record. In their most recent game, they triumphed over the Baylor Bears with a score of 31-24, allowing 26 rushing attempts for 112 yards (4.3 yards per carry). The Houston secondary restricted opponents to a 50.0% completion rate, allowing 309 yards on 23 completions out of 46 attempts. Overall, the Cougars amassed 417 yards on 79 plays (5.3 yards per play) while rushing for 216 yards on 48 attempts at 4.5 yards per carry.
In terms of offense, the Cougars rank 63rd in Division 1, averaging 28.3 points per game. They generate an average of 390.9 yards per game, placing them 66th nationally. However, the Houston offense has faced penalties totaling 492 yards from 56 infractions, which ranks 120th in the country. They have thrown 10 interceptions and committed 4 fumbles while successfully achieving 256 first downs. Over the course of the season, they accumulated 2,584 passing yards, averaging 215.3 yards per game, which is 84th in the nation, accompanied by 175.7 rushing yards per game, totaling 2,108 rushing yards overall.
This season, Houston’s defense has allowed 1,600 rushing yards (averaging 133.3 yards per game) and 16 rushing touchdowns. They have also given up 13 touchdown passes and an average of 214.8 passing yards per game, ranking them 59th in Division 1, yielding a total of 262 points. The defensive unit has forced 5 fumbles and intercepted 12 passes throughout the season and has participated in 805 plays, placing them 59th in college football. Their average points allowed per game stands at 21.8, positioning them 41st in Division 1.
Who will emerge victorious in this Tigers vs. Cougars college football matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take the Tigers +3.0
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